Bowman leaves VMRC to become Smithfield police chief

SMITHFIELD – Despite a four-month search that attracted 41 applicants from around the country, Smithfield's search for a new police chief ended within town limits.

Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner Steven G. Bowman, a longtime Smithfield resident and former town police officer, will assume the helm of the Smithfield Police Department on April 1. He replaces former chief Mark Marshall, who left in December after being elected sheriff of Isle of Wight County.

"We had some great candidates … but Steve was easily the top contender," said Smithfield Town Manager Peter Stephenson. "He had thorough, thoughtful responses during interviews. I think he will be a good fit within the organization."

Bowman, 52, beat out eight finalists and will be paid $92,500 annually to oversee the department of 22 sworn officers. Capt. Alonzo Howell, one of two internal candidates and interim chief since January, has been named the department's deputy chief.

After six years as head of the VMRC, Bowman said he looks forward to returning to his law enforcement roots.

Bowman spent 19 years with the state agency, beginning in 1992 when he joined as the Virginia Marine Police's deputy law enforcement chief. Before that, he was chief deputy of the Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office. Early in his 30-year law enforcement career, Bowman also worked for the Smithfield Police Department and Surry County Sheriff's Office.

"My heart is in law enforcement," said Bowman

He said his first priority is filling the management positions left vacant when four town police sergeants followed Marshall to the Isle of Wight Sheriff's Office.

Bowman will make final promotions, but the department is administering required exams to internal candidates so the new chief will have an instant candidate pool, Stephenson said.

"When Steve comes on board, all the preliminary stuff will be done and waiting for him," said Stephenson.

With several internal promotions expected in the weeks after Bowman starts, the department is likely to have several openings for officers.

Bowman said he wants to assess the department and community's needs before making any major changes. He also said he will work in concert with the county's Sheriff's Office.

"Any rift – or perception of a rift – that existed between the two agencies in the past is history. We will be working in tandem. "

During his six years overseeing the state's fisheries and waterways, Bowman made significant accomplishments, according to a release from Gov. Bob McDonnell's office.

Despite a 30 percent reduction in state funding over the past five years, Virginia's oyster harvest has more than tripled since 2006, with dockside value skyrocketing from $2.8 million to $8.2 million last year. The state's blue crab harvest more than doubled under a stock rebuilding program established in 2008.

McDonnell will appoint a new VMRC commissioner.

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